Jul/097
Account from Gabe Astorga
As we were riding up Sierra Highway, approximately 5 miles past Le Chene’s, Eric Swihart and I were casually riding in the back of the pack. There were 10 of us altogether: Kevin Mather, Nigel Stout, Steve Souisa, Nick Boone, Eric Swihart and other friends that Steve Souisa had invited. As I was riding, I saw emergency vehicles on a straight way of the road. I began to wonder if it was for one of our guys; however, it seemed that it couldn’t be possible because the group was not that far ahead of Eric and me.
As I got closer, I could see our guy’s bike lined up against the side of a hill that ran next to the road. I thought to myself, “This can’t be good”. As I quickly looked around, I noticed that it was Kevin Mather who was hit on his bike. He was on his back, and the paramedics were attending to him as the C.H.P. had closed the road in both directions. It was obvious that this was serious! It was surreal to see all of this unfolding. I called my wife, Teri, and asked her to call Tiffany right away. Within seconds of that conversation, The Los Angeles County Air Rescue arrived, circling for the best place to land.
Nigel Stout was the first to find Kevin, and held his hand to comfort him as help was being summoned; it was approximately 7:45 a.m. As Kevin was being loaded into the ambulance for the short trip to the helicopter, Steve Souisa said to Kevin, “We will be here for you.” Kevin replied, “Okay”. This was an awesome thing to hear Kevin respond, considering the severity of his injuries.
As I left emotionally in shock, I was amazed at the response of the emergency personal and how fast they had taken Kevin out.
Kevin was surrounded by his brothers in Christ and was prayed over while he was there. He truly is a warrior and now will be fighting a long hard road to recovery.
I am thankful to our Lord and Savior for Kevin’s life, that it was not his time at that moment.
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About this Blog
On the morning of Friday, July 3, while cycling in the SCV with friends, Kevin was struck by a fast-moving vehicle. He was airlifted by helicopter for attention to his multiple injuries, including damage to his spine. This blog is for Kevin's family, friends, and colleagues, who are all praying for him and rallying to his side during this time of trial. Please watch this site for upcoming information on how you can help Kevin recover.
1:01 AM on July 5th, 2009
Kevin’s dad here. First I would like to thank all the Highway Patrol, Fire Fighters, Paramedics, and Helicopter transport that worked to fast to save our sons life. His mother and I are very greatfull. We left Kevin at 10pm at the hospital and he was resting. Much needed I am sure. He is in stable but critical condition. His surgery yesterday was from 2:00 pm to 2:30 am. 12 hours. He has 2 metal bars and 12 screws in his back supporting his spine. His spine injury is a level 4 to the best of my knowledge. They took out his respirator tube today and he is talking with a normal and clear voice. The swelling has gone down on his head. He is cracking jokes in the ICU and enjoying his ice chips. To see him yesterday going into the OR and then to see him today was amazing. The power of prayer really works! He has sensation feelings in his legs but can not move his legs or feet at this time. We are hopeful for a speed recovery understanding that it will take some time. Our many thanks to the family, friends and others that have been praying for Kevin and Tiffany. They are great kids and have a strong hand with God. I think we had 30 people in the waiting room and we had to upgrade it to a suite. Tiffany has been an incredible woman during this ordeal. Very strong but Kevin and I think that she could use some sleep. Greg and Janice have been incredible staying there for so many hours with us praying and just being there. Many thanks to all the family and friends that brought food and drinks to the waiting room. It was great! Also a hugh thank you to [the medical team at USC] that put Kevin back together. I will never forget you. You did an incredible job! Please keep your prayers coming for they are surely working and lets pray for Kevin to have speedy recovery and pray for Tiff to be strong during this difficult time. We will update you with information as we receive it. My love to all. Mark
7:50 PM on July 5th, 2009
Mark Mather
You may be blessed to know that we are praying for Kevin in Grass Valley up above Sacrameto. It’s been a long time since we have seen Kevin but we still care about the Mather family.
Mike and Sarah Wynn
(old neighbors from Kandi Ct. where Kevin grew up)
9:41 AM on July 6th, 2009
Kevin, Great to hear you are surrounded by so much love and support. We’re praying for a speedy and full recovery. Your cousin (and brother & sister in Christ) John & Pat Colbert
3:28 PM on July 6th, 2009
Kevin, We are praying for you and hope to see you soon… Just let us know what else we can do for you and your family. Kevin we love you ….. With Gods love
Lee & Mari Norris
9:48 PM on July 8th, 2009
Dear Mather Family:
The Family of God from Blessed Hope and Cornerstone is praying for Kevin. The church of Jesus Christ of the Americas has prayed for him as well.
I am so encourage to read all the good reports and I am trusting the LORD to heal Kevin well and complete according to His good will.
9:57 PM on July 8th, 2009
The McDevitt Family and Grandma Gloria have their eyes on our LORD and Maker trusting for Kevin’s healing.
“Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.”
Isaiah 26:4
2:06 AM on July 9th, 2009
Dear Mather Family,
I just returned from vacation to find this blog.I am so very happy this was done to keep all those that love Kevin informed.Kevin has been a part of this family life for 21 years so this is so surreal.Mark and Lyn, you did raise a fine strong young man.And Tiffiany got the benefit of that.God is definitely in charge here from the beginning and I know something big and marvelous will come from all this hurt and pain.God is so gracious and good and will not loose control.Because we love Kevin there is pain. This pain must be felt.But with this pain there is also hope. I personally am so very excited to see the miracle I know God is brewing up right now. Know that all of your friends (new,old,church,neighbors,colleagues) are praying without ceasing for this mighty work! God Bless you all and keep you and bring you stronger to HIS Love.
In God’s love,Debi rowlett